The trail begins on a mellow grade through a dense forest full of old-growth pines and sequoias.
Hikers are quickly spit out onto a breathtaking slope that traverses the Sierra all the way to Bearpaw Meadow.
During summer months, a High Sierra Camp is present at Bearpaw Meadow, making this an excellent spot to have a snack, refill water, and check out the unparalleled views of the Great Western Divide.
The descent from Bearpaw to Lone Pine Creek is one of the most stunning bits of trail in the entire Sierra.
A bridge helps people to cross the massive Lone Pine Creek, offering fantastic views of the deep gorge in the rock.
As you near Hamilton Lakes, a massive rock face aptly named Valhalla greets you along the climb.
The sunsets over upper Hamilton Lake are pure magic.
Fun fact: Hamilton Lake also has probably the most scenic pit toilet in the world!
A great day hike from Hamilton continues along the trail toward Precipice Lake and Kaweah Gap, offering incredible vistas of Hamilton and the entirety of your route to get there.